Luxury Family Holidays Handpicked for Parents

Kuala Lumpur and Peninsular Malaysia

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur outdoor pool

Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur exterior courtesy of Mr. Shekar

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur restaurant

Luxury family hotels cover Kuala Lumpur, which is absolutely mesmerising though two or three days stay will prove sufficient, especially if you're there with little ones in tow. The Petronas Towers are breathtaking and best viewed at night; a little like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, you can’t miss this world-famous part of the skyline no matter where in the city you are. Once done, we suggest you explore the surrounding peninsular. If you fly to Malaysia for the islands you'll stop here first, so we recommend you stay a few days and look in before heading to the tranquil islands for a true family-friendly holiday in paradise.

A gorgeous hotel on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tanjong Jara boasts beautiful seaside villas and is as family-friendly as it is eco-friendly.

The Tanjong Jara Resort makes the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia worthy of a visit all by itself. Located beachside, with sweeping views across the South China Sea, this fabulous and very family-friendly resort was once hailed a wonder of the world by Conde Nast Traveller and, since receiving a serious amount of...

Amazing restaurants make The Grand Millennium, Kuala Lumpur, ideal for foodies while the outdoor resort-style pool is a big hit with little ones.

This towering five-star installation, The Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is located in what is known as the city's Golden Triangle, “Bukit Bintang.” An epic area of over 3500 outlet shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities, this hotel is perfectly located just 2 kilometres from the Petronas Towers, 3...

An enormous skyscraper of luxury and family-friendly facilities in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.

Synonymous with luxury and refinement, the Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur is no exception to the rule. Whether you opt for one of the spacious guest rooms or a sweeping suite, you will enjoy personal butler service, a marble bath with separate shower space, a rainforest shower and bath menu services. Perfectly located in...

The stunning Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is widely considered the inner-city leader in luxury accommodation. With sensational views across Malaysia’s capital city and a location that sets it in the heart of things, the Mandarin Oriental rooms are designed to be homes-from-home so, no matter what type you book...

Not so much a restaurant as a shop, the amazing and very unique find that is Peter Hoe Evolution + Beyond, located to Kuala Lumpur’s must-see Chinatown, houses a wonderful cafe, too. A ginormous warehouse space that sells everything from batik-printed soft furnishings to clothes, candles to local coloured lanterns, the vast space is rife for exploration, which appeals both to mums and tots, while the cafe serves delicious salads, quiches, cakes and fresh juices. A calm respite for the surrounding Central Market, this is worth seeking out during a day spent on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

Marmalade was shortlisted by Time Out for the award of best family restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, and with good reason. Heavily focused on healthy eating for all the family, the hearty and very healthy fare of this popular, family-friendly eatery makes getting essential nutrients into your children easier than ever. The smoothies are a big hit and the children’s menu includes favourites such as macaroni chicken soup and animal-shaped sandwiches served with broccoli and sweet potato fries – healthy but hearty, see? And like all truly committed family-friendly restaurant it has a children’s-only play area.

Stuff Your Face Cafe

Lot 4-09, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof

The name of this restaurant may not smack of sophistication but, let’s face it, dining out with kids doesn’t equate to fine dining. Stuff Your Face Cafe, located in Kuala Lumpur’s Bangshar Shopping Centre, is made with little eaters in mind. Chances are that if you rock up to this heavenly, family-friendly eatery you’ll find a party birthday going on but that only adds to the wonderful, warm and very happy atmosphere. There is a toddler ball pool to occupy high energy tots between bites, and the menu includes favourites such as a hawaiian pizza, green eggs and ham, mini slider burgers (that are literally toddler bite-sized) and a range of cookies so diverse you’ll all be stumped for choice. Located behind the shopping centre’s jungle gym, this is a one-shop stop for all things kiddie.

Not to be missed are the Batu Caves, a temple complex located almost 100 meters above the ground and set within a limestone cliff. An important pilgrimage site for Hindus, this is the perfect intro to Malay history for children. Don’t attempt it with wee ones though as there is a climb of 272 steps to reach Temple Cave, which houses several ornate shrines and shouldn’t be missed.

Aquaira KLCC

Aquaira KLCC is a state-of-the-art oceanarium in the heart of the city that boasts over 5,000 exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures and Petrosains. Those more enamoured by anything with wings will adore the KL Bird Park in the infamous Lake Gardens. Considered the largest free-flight walk-in aviary in the world, there are no less than over 20 acres to explore so keep a whole day free if you charter this terrain.

Kuala Lumpur's markets

Market lovers will adore the Art Deco Central Market and Petaling Street Market where the stalls are loaded with souvenirs and food, faux must-haves to local handicrafts day and night.

Dial 999 or 112 from any phone for the police or emergency services. Medical care in Malaysia is of the highest quality and run along parallel public and private sectors. The large majority of doctors and medical personnel speak English and hospital facilities are immaculate, especially in urban areas. The Prince Court Medical Centre in an internationally accredited medical hospital in Kuala Lumpur and located at 39 Jalan Kia Peng, (+603 2160 0000). Some of the country’s more rural areas carry a small Malarial risk but in cities such as Kuala Lumpur there is no need to worry at all. It is generally recommended that you have the Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations before heading to Malaysia so consult with your doctor where your children are concerned before travelling to remote parts of the country. If you do head out of the city and over the the east coast to, for example, the Tanjong Jara, bear in mind that this region is predominantly Muslim so dress accordingly please.

When to go

April to October is the dry season, with June to September being the hottest months and seeing the least rainfall. The weather is less predictable in the monsoon season. Chinese New Year is an excellent time to go for all the celebrations that take place across the capital.